£1m boost for creative sector kicks off in Manchester

A £1m programme to support creative industry hotspots in film, television, games and digital media in cities outside London, has been launched at Manchester HOME.

Creative England launched the Creative Cities Growth Fund and is looking for public and private companies to work with.

Creative England chief executive Caroline Norbury said: “Our cities and regions are vibrant centres of creativity that have delivered classic films; iconic architecture; world-class writers; and ground-breaking technology.

“We know that when businesses cluster around specialist areas and where there is a vibrant cultural scene it gives them more opportunity to succeed, share skills, and to be even more innovative as part of a supportive and collaborative network of talent.

“We want to work with people who are passionate about supporting their local industry so together we can help regions to thrive; creating a strong creative economy and generating jobs.”

Creative England also announced a wider programme of investments at the event, including a re-launch of its Business Loans and the Interactive Healthcare Fund for both the North West and the West Midlands in partnership with Greater Manchester AHSN and Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust respectively.

Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy Ed Vaizey said: “Our creative industries are world class and the north of England is home to a huge pool of outstanding creative and digital talent. Creative England’s innovative programme of investment is another boost for the Northern Powerhouse. It provides a fantastic opportunity for creative businesses to access new finance, helping them continue to thrive.”

Creative England has invested nearly £4m to date in the North West’s creative industries and the latest round of funding could be set to widen this support even further.

The Manchester event brought together established companies such as Shine North and Flix Facilities with Creative England-supported businesses like The Gate Films and KMS Solutions to demonstrate the wealth and breadth of creativity found across Greater Manchester’s entire creative sector.

Shine North managing director Alex Connock said: “So far the Northern Powerhouse story has been defined by fractious debate around how to pull the North closer to the capital: high speed rail, HS2 for example.

“In fact the reverse challenge is the one we should be focusing on, how to pull the capital closer to the North: Investment – and not for yet more office block developments in Manchester.

“The North needs capital for the businesses that drive global sales and jobs, in places like Hollywood and Silicon Valley. The North needs investors in content and creativity.”